Photo/Illutration Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa delivers the closing remarks at the TICAD ministerial meeting in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Aug. 25. (Anri Takahashi)

Ministers from African nations and Japan meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 25 adopted a statement pledging to collaborate on finding solutions to climate change and other global challenges.

The ministerial meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development concluded with the adoption of TICAD’s first joint communique, which also includes the need to create a supportive environment for startups to promote investment in Africa. 

Ministers and other representatives from Japan and 47 of African’s 54 countries attended the meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 24 and 25.

The ministerial meeting served as a preparatory step for the 9th TICAD summit scheduled to be held in Yokohama next August.

The joint communique also highlighted the importance of a “free, open and fair international order based on international law” as Japan and Africa work to strengthen their cooperation.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa spoke at a joint news conference following the two-day meeting.

Since China is increasing its influence in Africa through massive economic support, Kamikawa said, “We hope to see concrete developments made with Japan that will lead to innovative solutions to challenges.”

Kamikawa also announced that Japan will launch a “women’s peacebuilding initiative” to encourage women to engage in resolving conflicts in the Horn of Africa, a region in the northeastern part of the continent.

She added that Japan will work on land mine and unexploded ordnance removal measures in Africa in collaboration with Cambodia, where it has long supported mine-clearing efforts.

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